Friday, December 02, 2011

A big thank you to Launy Schwartz, Sammy (our technical producer), Mr. Schultz of BCSS, 102.5 The Game, fans/writers/bloggers of the Nashville Predators and our featured guests. And of course, a HUGE thank you to everyone who listened to the show.

Launy and I are very proud of what we put together. It was a lot of fun!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

The latest episode of The Hockey54 Show didn't make it to air due to technical issues in Nashville. Fortunately, the first two periods of the episode are now available as a podcast. The remaining period will be included with this week's episode (Sunday, 11pmET/10pmCT on 102.5 The Game).

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

The final episode will be released this Friday (Nov.18) and will preview Tumbling Into Light, a multidisciplinary performance by Diasporic Genius Productions.

Our lives are always evolving and when change occurs, one must adapt. That is certainly the case with me.

My life was quite different when I started This Is Toronto in June, 2009. In recent months, the aspects of my real job have changed. There were also new opportunities that came my way. Because of these changes, I have decided to end the program.

I am very happy with how This Is Toronto turned out. Its goal was to highlight the artists, events and organizations that were given little coverage by the mainstream media. It definitely accomplished that objective.

All the episodes will remain online, along with the program’s website and Facebook page.

Although This Is Toronto has finished, this is not the end of my journalism “career.” I will continue to co-host The Hockey54 Show and contribute articles to Hockey54.com and TheGoodPoint.com. I will eventually return to podcasting. In fact, I’ve been toying with the idea of a baseball-themed podcast for quite some time.

To all those who are close to me: Thank you for your love and support. To all the individuals who appeared on the show: Thank you for taking the time. To all those who listened to the program, whether it was for one episode or all 65: Thank you very much! I hope you enjoyed it.

Despite its many issues, Toronto is still a beautiful city. Be sure to embrace it!

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

The latest episode of The Hockey54 Show is now available as a podcast. It features former Predator (and current Washington Capital) Joel Ward and Mike Milbury getting called out by Launy Schwartz. Listen to one, two or all three "periods."

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Here was a team that was well-back in the wild card standings at the start of September. Yet their hard work mixed with a little luck (meltdown by wild card leading Atlanta) and it all paid off in the end.

It was fitting, given that it turned out to be Tony La Russa's final season as a manager and possibly Albert Puljos last season as a Cardinal.

I love a good underdog story and the Cards were classic underdogs.

Nobody thought they could make the playoffs as the regular season was entering its final month. But they did it. Nobody thought they could beat the Philadelphia Phillies, picked by many, including yours truly, to win it all this year. But they did it. People also doubted they could beat Milwaukee and Texas. But once more, they did it.

And how can you not love David Freese? Regardless of how his career turns out, Freese has cemented his legacy in St. Louis.

Finally, congratulations to the former Blue Jays on the Cards' roster:

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

I was completely wrong about the ALCS and NLCS. To be honest, I'm tired of predicting. It's just guessing. Sure, there are stats to suggest who might win. But once the first pitch is thrown, all the stats go out the window and it comes down to seeing which team is better for that particular match.

Friday, October 07, 2011

This latest edition follows up with Hockey54.com. The Toronto-based website is preparing for the debut of The Hockey54 show, which will air on an all-sports radio station in (of all places) Nashville, Tenn.

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

This was a Jekyll and Hyde team. There were times when I loved them and there were times when they made me want to pull my hair out.

There were issues with this team. Specifically, the pitchers.

For the last few years, Toronto's rotation was its biggest asset. This season, most of the starters were underwhelming. Branden Morrow, Brett Cecil and Kyle Drabek did not have good seasons. Morrow simply went through an ugly slump. Cecil and Drabek showed some brilliance, but were usually dominated by the opposition. Drabek's issues don't concern me since he's young and has less than a season worth of MLB experience. Cecil, on the other hand, is a concern.

The lefty was fantastic in 2010. He struggled this year, despite some positive time in Las Vegas. Cecil could be the odd man out in 2012. He needs to work harder and find ways to improve. Otherwise, Cecil and now-reliever Jesse Litsch could switch spots.

There were some bright spots in the rotation: Ricky Romero was fantastic and would've had more wins if his teammates gave him more run support. Henderson Alvaraz certainly made a nice impression. John Farrell has plenty of options for 2012's starting rotation, which is a blessing and a curse.

The bullpen, with the exception of Casey Janssen, was a mess. Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco are not stable enough to hold leads. I'd be very surprised if they return next year, let alone return to their 2011 roles.

So what does this team need to compete in 2012?

- Another starter. Not necessary, given what they already have. But it couldn't hurt. Mark Buehrle would look good in a Toronto uniform.

- A closer. Right now, Litsch, Carlos Villenueva and Janssen are the only players with guaranteed spots in the pen. Everything else is up in the air. Janssen or Litsch could become the closer, but AA should see if he can bring in someone more suited for the position, via trade or free agency.

- A DH. I'm not confident with Edwin Encarnacion. He is just not consistent. Then again, he's cheaper than Prince Fielder.

- A second baseman. I was very happy with Kelly Johnson, but I'm not the GM. If Johnson is the man, then the Jays need to sign him ASAP.

Of course, there are plenty of reasons to be happy with the Blue Jays: Jose Bautista had another phenomenal season (despite a lukewarm second half). J.P. Arencibia and Yunel Escobar made vast improvements. Janssen was excellent. And Brett Lawrie was simply incredible. He lived up to the hype, which is always hard to accomplish.

2012 will be an exciting season. Interest in the team has picked up and fans hope the Jays can keep it up. Making the playoffs won't be easy, although an expanded playoff format would help. Regardless, their chances are better than they were a year ago.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Thoughts on the season will come Friday. Meanwhile, here are my season "awards" for the Blue Jays.

Team MVP: Jose Bautista

Great first half. A slightly cooler second half. Regardless, it was another fine year for Joey Bats. As long as he hits 35-40 homers, collects at least 100 RBIs and makes significant contributions over the next few seasons, I'm happy.

Best Hitter: Jose Bautista

See above.

Best Pitcher: Ricky Romero

His best season, by far. Would've picked up some more wins if his teammates scored more runs for him.

Best Reliever: Casey Janssen

Was outstanding almost every time he was summoned from the bullpen. If he keeps it up, he could be Toronto's next set up man or closer. His current role is perfect too.

Best Rookie: Brett Lawrie

The kid adapted the majors in mere seconds. Great production and this is only the beginning.

Honourable mention: J.P Arencibia, Yunel Escobar & Henderson Alvarez

And a special mention to Mike McCoy. The guy went back and forth between Toronto and Las Vegas many times. McCoy never complained once and helped the team when needed.

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

Dustin McGowan last threw a Major League pitch in 2008. Then he hurt his shoulder and was unable to play for three years. Last night, after many procedures and rehab stints, he returned to the Majors - 4 IPs, 3 ERs, 5Ks. 74 pitches (44 Strikes). Congratulations, Dustin! Welcome back! Sometimes, heroes aren't always at the top of the stats sheet.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Once again, my head is spinning. After much digestion, here's what I've got:

- I don't know much about Kelly Johnson. Looks like he either swings for the fences or swings and misses. He's similar to Mark Reynolds: A player who's more about his power than his average. That power might lead to some intentional walks. Regardless, Johnson's time in Toronto will be an audition for 2012.

- It's sad to see John McDonald and Aaron Hill leave. However, they are going to a good team. They'll also have a chance to play in the playoffs. Plus, AA said there's a chance both players could be back next year. I wouldn't hold my breath though.

- Hopefully, a chance of scenery will be good for Hill. You can't help but feel sorry for the guy. He was on top of the world in 2009 and then lost his groove. He hasn't been the same since. Hill's trying as hard as he can, but hasn't been able to regain his form. It's a shame. He's a good person.

Of course, trades can't be evaluated until a significant amount of time passes.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

I cannot remember a trade made by the Blue Jays that involved a number of players. My head is still spinning. After much digestion, this is what I have to say:

- Not happy about seeing Zep go. He was the kind of pitcher that could easily transition from bullpen to rotation and back. Had a few rough patches this season, but was stable.

- Not happy about seeing Zach Stewart go. Young arm that had potential. I know the Blue Jays have some depth when it comes to pitching, but I was hoping they would hang on to Stewart a little longer.

- Patterson and Dotel were meant to be used as trade bait. They were short term solutions.

- Mark Teahen is also a short term solution. The only way he remains with Toronto is if they trade Encarnacion.

- I'm indifferent with Frasor. He did his job (most of the time).

- Colby Ramus certainly has potential. Could be this year's Yunel Escobar. I guess he'll rotate between DH and OF. There's some overflow in that area right now.

- Don't know a lot about PJ Walters. Trevor Miller seems to be the type of pitcher that comes in to face one batter before being removed. Brian Tallet is back. If you can get a few decent innings out of him, then it's worth it. But he's hurt, so I'm not holding my breath.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Does interleague play still have the same allure? It has existed for 14 years and doesn't appear to be going anywhere. In fact - as you'll find out in this new article - interleague play is the guest that won't leave.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Congrats to the Dallas Mavericks! I thought they would need seven games, but Dirk and co. had other plans.

I said this title was Miami's to lose and that's what happened. Lebron simply did not show up when it mattered. This was a huge learning experience for James; more potent than losing the 2007 final to the Spurs. Wade and Bosh were alright, but it wasn't enough.

If there's one thing to remember from this series and this concluding NBA season, it would be that karma exists; even in South Beach.

The Canucks must keep their foot on the gas at all times. Far too often, they take their foot off, allowing their opponents to take advantage. Any mistake will hurt Vancouver's chances. They must attack Tim Thomas.

Friday, April 08, 2011

This latest edition features WeWantACup.com, a new website that hopes to maintain the Maple Leafs' presence in Toronto. According to the site's founder, the team's lack of success hurts the city in many ways.

Friday, April 01, 2011

Are you ready for some baseball? Don't know what to expect from the Blue Jays. Objectively, I think they can win 83-88 games, but won't make the playoffs. However, they'll be closer than they've been in a while. Subjectively, I want them to win everything in sight! Some quick points: 1) Snider and Arencibia need to play EVERY DAY. Give them a day off here and there, but they'll get better with more at bats. 2) If Jose Bautista only hits 30-40 HRs, that's still a great figure. Don't expect the 2010 stats. He's no longer a secret. Pitchers know how to pitch around him. 3) Hill and Lind have a lot to prove. They'll do much better than what fans saw in 2010. See you at the Skydome! - ER

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Better hide the children. The zamboni is rambling yet again! The latest targets: Whales, Charlie Sheen, a young goalie on the Washington Capitals and the retirement of a gold medalist. Best of all, there's nothing about head shots. - ER

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

This election, whenever it's called, will have the worst turnout. Book it.

Canadians are apathetic about federal politics. We don't care, even if the government breaks the rules of Parliament. We don't care because we've come to expect this type of behaviour from our politicians.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Just as I'm about to express my thoughts on the Vernon Wells trade, Alex Anthopoulos pulls the trigger on another trade. Guess I'll have to go trade-by-trade even if they're related.

Vernon Wells for Mike Napoli and Juan Rivera

I was completely caught off guard by this trade. But I shouldn't feel that way. Wells' massive contract was hurting Toronto's growth. Trading him frees up $86 million, which will come in handy for resigning Jose Bautista (if he continues to perform as well as he did in 2010) and going after free agents.

Napoli and Rivera are good players. But their arrivals create a cluttered lineup. Assuming the outfield will have Travis Snider, Rajai Davis and Bautista, where does Rivera go? You could put Bautista at third and Rivera in right. But Bautista has a great arm that is better suited for the outfield. And if Bautista goes to third, where would that put Edwin Encarnacion?

It was clear there needed to be another trade and sure enough...

Mike Napoli for Frank Francisco

I don't like it and at the same time, I like it.

Napoli - had he stayed - would be a great weapon, especially against lefthanders. He would've mostly been used as a DH and first baseman. He is originally a catcher, but he'd only get behind the plate if JP Arencibia or Jose Molina got hurt. Of course, it wasn't meant to be.

Francisco brings another strong arm to the bullpen. A stronger bullpen will take some pressure off the starting rotation. Francisco's also another candidate to be the Blue Jays' next closer. It's going to be an intense competition in Dunedin for those 7-8 spots in the 'pen this year.

The lineup is still cluttered. I think there will be at least one more trade.

One more thing about VernonI will certainly miss him. It's hard to believe he was here for 12 years. Wells was a great player. There were times when he could've been better. You can blame the injuries if you wish. Regardless, he tried his best and was a wonderful ambassador.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Whatever happened to the idea of Keep it simple, Stupid? Fan 590 was simple and easy to remember. It - forgive the cliche - rolled off the tongue. This new "brand" is a mouthful and completely takes away The Fan's local identity.

To be fair, Rogers isn't the first media conglomerate that's using a uniformed/cookie-cutter approach with all its stations. But putting it under the Sportsnet banner takes away the station's character.

Sure, the programs on Fan Toronto are different than Fan Calgary. But now there's nothing that establishes it as a Toronto sports station. It's just the radio-arm of Sportsnet.

I will still listen to the station, but I'm very disappointed. I will grin and bear it; the same way I grin and bare going to the Skydome and seeing the giant "Rogers Centre" sign.